A politically charged billboard in Huntingtown, Maryland, has sparked debate after displaying a crude cartoon depiction of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris alongside an expletive-filled message blaming them for the country’s problems. Located near the intersection of Route 4 and Bowie Shop Road in Calvert County, the sign has drawn criticism from some residents who say its language and imagery are inappropriate, particularly for children who pass by it on their way to school.

Jeanette Flaim, chair of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, called the billboard “vulgar,” arguing that parents should not have to explain the offensive imagery to their children. While noting that the area has featured both pro-Trump and anti-Biden signs in the past, Flaim said her objection is not to the political message itself but to what she considers offensive language and imagery. She has urged the community to pressure the billboard’s owner to remove it voluntarily.

County officials, however, say their hands may be tied. Buddy Hance, president of the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, explained that the billboard appears to be protected under the First Amendment and referenced the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which strengthened protections for content-based speech on signs. According to Hance, local government has no legal authority to remove an otherwise lawful sign simply because its message is offensive.

The billboard’s owner has not publicly commented on the controversy. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussion about the balance between free speech protections and community standards, with supporters emphasizing constitutional rights and critics arguing that public displays should avoid unnecessarily offensive content, especially in areas frequented by families and children.